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The monetary settlement alternative is the only one that meets the purpose and need of the project. Swain County is a signatory of the 1943 Agreement. Its County Commissioners have taken the position that they support only one resolution of the 1943 Agreement controversy, and that is a monetary settlement. Since the approval of Swain County as a signatory party is necessary, that would seem to end the argument. I support the position of Swain County.

A monetary settlement would have no impact on the natural environment. It is the only alternative that does no harm to wildlife habitat and no harm to plant habitat. This alternative leaves intact the largest unfragmented tract of mountain land in the east. This alternative avoids the introduction and spread of exotic species, both plant and animal. This alternative leaves intact the unbroken forest canopy necessary to a healthy population of neotropical migratory songbirds. This alternative avoids the creation of an orphan strip between the proposed road and Fontana Lake, a strip that cannot support a rich biodiversity.

The law creating the National park Service sets forth the fundamental purpose of parks, which is to conserve their scenery, and natural and historic objects, and wild life and provide for their enjoyment in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. The construction of a road either partially into or fully across a portion of park clearly violates this fundamental purpose of parks. A road by definition impairs the integrity of the park. It is permanent. The proposed road alternatives will reflect a decision to damage the park and destroy the right of future generations to enjoy an unimpaired natural environment.

The ever increasing popularity of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has led to ever increasing development along its edges. A majority of the boundary is now encased in development or delineated by roads either along or just inside the park. The 38-mile full build alternative will convert a major portion of park boundary from a soft edge to a hard edge.

Cultural resources in the park will be at risk from construction of any of the road alternatives. Already the locations of the many archeological sites are kept secret to prevent looting and vandalism. Any road, however, will open the known cemeteries to looting and vandalism, and will expose the secret archeological sites to discovery and looting by knowledgeable vandals.

The economic benefits to Swain County are superior for the monetary settlement alternative. If Swain County were paid $52 million in settlement it would immediately begin to reap the benefits, and would receive $2 million to $2.5 million annually in perpetuity. If a full length road is built it will not begin to provide benefits until at least 15 years from the beginning of construction. Your economic consultant tells us that after completion, it would bring in tourist spending of $17 million a year. That amount of spending, he says, would translate into $400,000 a year for the budget of Swain County. An additional $200,000 might be collected from property taxes if tourist spending generates more building. To Swain County, a cash settlement is worth four times what a road is worth.

I have compared the proposed cash settlement of $52 million with the estimated cost of building a 38 mile road at $374 million. Initial estimates are usually low, and this estimate does not include all mitigation and enhancement costs, so the final amount is certain to increase, and increase substantially. Even the lowest cost estimate is more than seven times the cost of a monetary settlement. In 1946, the Supreme Count of the United States, in confirming the validity of the 1943 Agreement, said that “The cost of public projects is a relevant element in all of them, and the government, just an anyone else, is not required to proceed oblivious to elements of cost.” The Court went on: “And when serious problems are created by its public projects, the Government is not barred from making a common sense adjustment in the interest of all the public.”

On every count, a monetary settlement is the common sense, logical and prudent alternative.

BIENNUAL WORKSHOP COMMITTEE NEEDS YOU!

The Biennual Workshop Committee needs one or two more members to do an effective job of running the workshops at the upcoming meeting. These are on Saturday afternoon, July 2, all day Sunday, July 3 and Monday afternoon, July4, and are a major part of the entire week-long meeting. We will make sure the presenters know the room they are to use, install the proper sign at the door, check to make sure the desired AV equipment is there and working, and handle any problems that develop before or during a presentation. Please join this very important committee! Howard McDonald 828-693-8258 or hamcdonald@cytechcis.net

Volunteer of the Year Nominations Sought

American Hiking Society seeks nominations for this year’s Volunteer of the Year awards. We will be awarding nine regional awards and one of these nine regional winners will be chosen “National Volunteer of the Year." The work for which s/he is being nominated must benefit hikers and/or the hiking experience. For more details or to nominate your volunteer go to www.americanhiking.org/events/ntd/awards.html . If you have questions please contact Shirley Hearn at 1-800-972-8608, ext. 206 or by Shearn@AmericanHiking.org .

Don’t let good deeds go unnoticed – nominate someone today!

Call for 2005 CMC Nominating Committee Candidates and 2006 CMC Council nominations CMC WANTS YOU!!!!!!!

This is your opportunity to get involved in your club's leadership. Applications are now being accepted for the 2005 Nominating Committee, and for officer and council positions for the 2006 CMC Council. Serving on the Nominating Committee is one of the most important responsibilities within the club. You participate in a process that determines the next generation of leaders of your association. Serving as a member of the council is a commitment that yields countless rewards. If you consider yourself a strategic thinker with the executive ability to get things done, then CMC wants you! I strongly encourage you take this opportunity to become either a member of the Nominating Committee or, serve on the Council as a councilor or as an officer of the club. Don’t forget CMC WANTS YOU to get involved, and become a part of your club’s leadership. Applications are due to cmcinfo@carolinamtnclub.org by April 30, 2005. Download the application and job description for the Nominating Committee. Download the application and job description for Councilor. For more information regarding CMC’s organization please refer to the Club Bylaws on the CMC web site, or contact Don Walton, donwalton@bellsouth.net Don’t be shy, get involved. Thank you. Don Walton Immediate Past President

The CMC is starting a Hike Information exchange system on www.Yahoo.com which can be used to exchange information relating to hiking. This group system is intended to help coordinate off schedule hiking activities that benefit the club and it's members. For example, a hike leader may need to scout a hike but cannot find anyone to go along or maybe someone needs directional help to adequately hike a trail.

The email address used to communicate is cmchikeinfo@yahoogroups.com . The address to use to join is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cmchikeinfo/ You have to be a yahoo member (free) to join. When you join you will need to provide your name in the setup in the "Real Name" field. This is desirable for people to know who you are. If you have any questions please contact me. Don Walton

New trail construction on the MST at Balsam Gap

MARK YOUR CALENDAR MARCH 19. We are putting together a crew to work on the extension of the MST beyond Balsam Gap to Soco Gap. Your Help in needed !! Come and build a piece of History as we move the MST further south. Date.- March 19, 2005 Meeting place.- Moose Cafe 9:00 AM (come early and join us for breakfast) or, Balsam Gap Ranger Station at 9:30 AM We plan to car pool. Equipment.- If you have any digging tools, bring them. If not do not worry, some will be available. Remember water, lunch, rain gear and a great attitude!! Please let me know if you can join us. Thanks Piet